9. evil—in deed.
railing—in word.
blessing—your revilers; participle, not a noun after "rendering."
knowing that—The oldest manuscripts read merely, "because."
are—Greek, "were called."
inherit a blessing—not only passive, but also active; receiving spiritual blessing from God by faith, and in your turn blessing others from love [Gerhard in Alford]. "It is not in order to inherit a blessing that we must bless, but because our portion is blessing." No railing can injure you (1Pe 3:13). Imitate God who "blesses" you. The first fruits of His blessing for eternity are enjoyed by the righteous even now (1Pe 3:10) [Bengel].